Vault Comics is thrilled to announce the first graphic novel from the Headshell imprint, Dying Inside, by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, Hannah Klein (Everything’s Fine), and Lisa Sterle (The Modern Witch Tarot, Witchblood) will kick off promotions with a collection of limited deluxe editions and an exclusive merch line, which are available for pre-order now at Vault Comics.
A 10% discount will be available for the first 24 hours starting May 1, 2024, with the first 10 customers receiving a free set of custom Skullcandy headphones and the first 100 customers receiving a free gift or upgrade.
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Additionally, catch a sneak preview of Dying Inside during this year’s Free Comic Book Day celebration on Saturday, May 4, with an exclusive selection available to participating local comic shops. Dying Inside will be available in September 2024.
“So psyched to be releasing Dying Inside. Hannah is one of my favorite contemporary writers, kind of if Larry David and Elliott Smith had a kid, and Lisa’s an excellent addition to help bring this to life with her artistry. Can’t wait for it to be out in the world,” said Pete Wentz.
Co-writer Hannah Klein stated, “When the idea sparked for Dying Inside, I had no idea what form it would end up taking. The fact that it started my foray into the world of graphic novels is one of the most exciting and surprising series of events, and I’m so incredibly grateful. I’ve been working with Pete on various creative endeavors throughout the years, and I feel like our separate styles and shared vision really came through on this project, especially with the absolutely singular and incredible art by Lisa Sterle and the steady and supportive hand of Vault to guide the way. I feel so lucky that our vision was met with open arms and a million “yesses” to create the exact project we were hoping to achieve.”
Today is Ash’s big finale. And by the finale, she means exiting the stage permanently. Ash is a sixteen-year-old girl with more angst than Ian Curtis and Elliott Smith combined (her two idols). She’s apathetic and, therefore, believes death is the easiest route to relief. But nothing is more embarrassing than a lame death. Unfortunately, her meticulous plans are all ruined when the beautiful knife she buys off a webstore turns out to be charmed with a protection spell.
Now, Ash has to track down the witch who transformed her clocking-out attempt into the worst gift imaginable: immortality. Turns out, the witch responsible is another sixteen-year-old girl named (get this) Liv. The two vow to undo the charm together and fight for Ash’s death…even as things get increasingly entangled with a strange new antidepressant called Somnia and her mom’s gross boyfriend, Greg.
From Vault Comics CCO and editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel, “Sometimes, a perfect team comes together, and they share in the joy of making a story so much that it reminds me in a visceral way why I love editing. That’s been my experience with Hannah Klein, Lisa Sterle, and Pete Wentz as we created Dying Inside. We make comic books because we care about the stories and the medium, from literal rockstar Pete Wentz down to lil’ ‘ol editor me. Being in the room with two of my favorite creators, Hannah and Lisa, while a whole other side of artistry poured out of Pete has been one of the greatest joys of my career.”
Wassel further added, “Daisy Grenade even recorded original music to debut in the book at the concert our main characters attend. We can honestly say we took comic books and music and wove them together.” Dying Inside is a musically immersive experience featuring original lyrics and poetry from Pete Wentz, an integrated playlist available now on Spotify, and never-before-heard music from Daisy Grenade.
The editions of Dying Inside include three alternate colorway editions with cover art by Lisa Sterle, including glitter, glow-in-the-dark, and “dark mode” covers, and collector’s editions with variant coverwrap art. Kicking off the merch collection for Headshell, featured Dying Inside art will be available on custom Skullcandy headphones, graphic t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, print canvas tote bags, enameled pins, stickers, and more.
Hannah added, “I’m thrilled to have made a story that is so female-forward about topics that are typically difficult to talk about. I hope this book finds who it’s meant to find — even if it’s just a single teenage girl, I will feel so proud of the accomplishment of helping others feel seen in this space. This has been overwhelmingly joyful to work on and I hope to continue this story in the future!”
And for artist Lisa Sterle, Dying Inside offered an opportunity that felt like fate. “I feel like I’ve been destined to draw this book. The art of Dying Inside is truly a reflection of all the things I am passionate about. I hope reading this book feels like listening to a heartbreaking song on a sunny day. I hope it feels like blue shadows in a dim bedroom, staring at the ceiling fan. I hope it feels like screaming your favorite lyrics back at your favorite band. I hope it feels like texting your best friend in the middle of the night because your thoughts won’t let you sleep.”
Wassel concluded, “[Dying Inside] is a testament to our love of storytelling, across mediums, across art forms, and a first look at the future we’re building at Vault and Headshell.” A darkly funny tale of life, music, and overcoming loneliness, Dying Inside is available for pre-order now and will be available in stores and online on September 17, 2024.
WARNING: This book includes a discussion of suicide and the depiction of self-harm. While Vault Comics hopes this book will help some readers feel less alone, its content may be triggering. Please only read ahead if you are safe and supported. If you are struggling, it’s important to share your feelings. The suicide and crisis lifeline is 988.
